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Global Concepts (Part 2)
Renault Koleos
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Renault's Koleos is a 4x4 hybrid powered by a 2.0-L turbocharged gasoline engine driving the front wheels and a 30-kW (40-hp) Renault Elegie electric motor at the rear. The two power units can operate in tandem (for extra power or in 4x4 mode) or independently. The Koleos' tailgate uses two-stage opening technology that slides the door to the left of the car for loading. A transparent, retractable partition separates the rear seat from the luggage area much like the rear window in a pickup. The windshield is extended by two glazed lateral strips into the roof. The interior is minimalist, with basic instrumentation; touch screen and direct voice input technology are used to control some systems. One of the most interesting aspects of the interior concerns the seats. There are four individual seats made from carbon laminates. They are placed on four damping cylinders and covered in Connolly leather; the effect is rather like a horse saddle. Variable height suspension features pneumatic and hydraulic springs that are capable of adjusting the vehicle's height. The transition between 4x4 mode, with vehicle height of 1700 mm (67 in), and 1600-mm (63-in) sedan mode, is fully automatic and depends upon both vehicle speed and road surface. The concept car has headlamps developed by the French company Megalux. The light flow enters a dioptric element, which shapes the light and guides it to the lower half-arch for the dipped-beam position or to the upper half-arch for the high.
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